R56 Timing Chain tensioner

[highway]

I bought an 08 MCS a few months ago. It's the Mrs car, one previous owner and 7k. I was aware of the timing chain issue pre purchase. However a mate has just had his JCW lunch his and land him a nice £1600 bill. Has anybody here changed the chain guide to the later, non self destructing part as a pre emptive measure? The local dealer quote the part at £17 with 1.2 hrs labour at £160 which I thought was a bit lumpy.

[rigga]

Changed mine two months after I got the car as it rattled one morning, not heard a noise since the updated tensioner was fitted. Fairly straightforward to change, need to move inlet pipework about on the rear o/s of the engine, remove old tensioner (36mm socket I think but can't recall) and depending on where the engine has stopped in its cycle, and therefore the slack on the chain and guide, force the new tensioner in by hand and start the treads, make sure you use the new seal that comes with the tensioner as oil leaks from that area is another issue.

[Deejbb]

Had it replaced whilst Mini were doing a 4.5k job repairing the engine in my old 2010 Cooper S (under warranty luckily) and it then needed replacing again within 6 months.. Think i was just unlucky but you do hear quite a few horror stories regarding the pre facelift engines in the R56..